Western Kentucky University (WKU) 2026 Admission 94%, Cost $

93.87%

Acceptance Rate

$7,911

Avg.Financial Aid

002002

FAFSA Code

College Search

★ Western Kentucky University (WKU) Report Card

Selectivity

—

93.9% acceptance rate

Academics

56% graduation rate

Class Size

18:1 student-faculty ratio

Value

B+

$27,000 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

★ Key Facts: Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Institution: Western Kentucky University (WKU)
Type: Public

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified June 2026. Citable source →

Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Type Control of Institution - Public/Private
Public
Acceptance Rate:
N/A
Level
4 Years
Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.
Not applicable
Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.
SACSCOC
Website
www.wku.edu
Student Population Number of Students attending College
12,155
On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?
Yes

Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green represents the regional public university done well. This Kentucky institution serves around 18,000 students with clear strengths in engineering technology, business, nursing, and education. The campus is genuinely attractive—well-maintained, intentionally designed, and doesn't feel like an afterthought. You'll notice administration actually invested in the student experience here, from facilities to programming.

The engineering technology program here deserves particular attention; it's not traditional engineering, but applied, practical, and directly aligned with industry needs. Employers in the region actively recruit WKU graduates. The business school maintains accreditation and draws solid regional reputation. Class sizes in upper-level courses stay reasonable, and professors are accessible without being coddled. You're expected to engage and work, not coast.

WKU has invested heavily in student life and campus culture. The residence halls are modern, the student center is genuinely nice, and there's programming beyond just parties. You'll find Division I athletics, active student organizations, and a community that actually feels engaged. Bowling Green itself is a college town, meaning the university and town relationship is symbiotic. Financially, WKU offers strong value for Kentucky residents and increasingly attractive scholarships for out-of-state students willing to take a chance on a solid regional institution.

Location & Contact

Address

1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Contact

Phone: (270) 745-0111

Find Your School

Rankings

Forbes and US News provide rankings to the universities, which are trusted everywhere. But this is applicable only if the universities are located in the US. Western Kentucky University has been ranked at the 600th position among other universities by Forbes. It is to be noted that Forbes decides on the rankings of the university based on common metrics like acceptance rate, endowment, benefits, and SAT scores, among others.

Admissions

Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
1st Aug
Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.
93.87%
SAT Range
980 - 1190
SAT/ACT
Required
ACT Range
20 - 27
High School GPA
Required
Application Fee
$45
Accept Common App
None

The admission to Western Kentucky University is fairly easy and the students can make the most out of it. The varsity has 4 admission thresholds. Candidates are required to fill the form and submit a fee of $45, as part of the admission process at WKU. As per the past trends, the SAT score of a student must lie in the range of 990-1220 to improve her chances. Notably, students securing ACT score less than 19 might also given admission but the average ACT score at Western Kentucky University is 23. The application process can be completed online. However, if needed, one can also visit the office at 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1000, or call (270) 745-0111.

Full Admission Info Find College Scholarships Request Info

Annual Cost to Attend

Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.
$10,990
Average Annual Cost
$11,652

Additional Costs:

Books And Supplies
$21,840
Other Fees
$N/A
Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.
$8,343
Budget For Other Expenses
$1,985

Total One Year Cost

$21,840

Tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure are the next two things that a student should keep in mind before applying to WKU. The full-time cost of attendance is approximately $31,138 per year. If it sounds unaffordable to the applicant, there are numerous financial aid options available that they can explore.

Explore Programs Explore Student Loans Explore Tuition and Cost

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Doctor's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

18:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

78%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

41%

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

$679

Faculty Overview

50%

Male Professors

50%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

17,030

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

31%

Full-time / Part-time

73% / 27%

Students Gender

Male

41%

US National: 44%

Female

59%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

79%

Unknown

Black

Hispanic

Two or more races

Non Resident alien

Asian

American Indian/Alaska native

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

Geographic Density

High

Unknown Location

25%

Out Of State

74%

In State

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$50,388 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and N/A of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

Freshmen Live on Campus

N/A

Undergrads in College Housing

33%

Averege Housing Cost

$4,768/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $3,575/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$3,575/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Big Red

School Colors

red and white

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

Conference USA

Total Male Athletes

211

Total Female Athletes

107

Intramural Sports

Sports Club

Sports Team (Men)

Baseball

Basketball

Cross Country

Football

Golf

Track and Field

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Cross Country

Golf

Soccer

Softball

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Campus Security

The university offers on-campus housing facilities to the students who wish to stay on the campus. The normal expense for on-campus housing is $8,432 per year. The average meal plan at WKU costs around $3,575 a year. Notably, students at the varsity get to choose from various dining and meal plan options as well. To ensure the safety and security of students, the university has a number of campus safety and security measures in place. Some of these features include 24-hr security patrol, campus emergency phones, 24-hr escort safety rides and mobile campus emergency alert. There are around 40% male and 60% female students enrolled at the university.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$28,200/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$34,700/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$15,715 - $30,261

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$163 - $314

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

91%

Average Aid Per Year

$7,911

Students Receiving Federal Grants

42%

Average Aid Per Year

$4,465

Students Receiving State Aid

75%

Average Aid Per Year

$2,711

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

49%

Average Aid Per Year

$6,657

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$7,866

$30K - $48K

$3,063

$48K - $75K

$3,549

$75K - $110K

$3,962

> $110K

$2,830

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$30,088,219

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$46,867,716

As mentioned, if one finds the fees and cost of living at WKU to be on the higher side, the financial aid department of the varsity would be of huge assistance. They can assist students with scholarships, grants, and student loans as well. The average financial aid at Western Kentucky University is around $5,823 and the federal grant is $4,583. Prospective students can benefit from state-level aid worth $2,762 as well as institutional aid worth $5,823. At WKU, the total amount of need-based scholarships/grants awarded to students stands at $30,088,219 per year. On the other hand, the total non-need-based scholarships/grants offered in a year add up to $46,867,716.

Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Kentucky University (WKU)

How hard is it to get into Western Kentucky University (WKU)?

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 93.9%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does Western Kentucky University (WKU) cost?

Tuition at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is approximately $27,000 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend Western Kentucky University (WKU)?

Western Kentucky University (WKU) enrolls approximately 12,155 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at Western Kentucky University (WKU)?

The graduation rate at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is 56%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Western Kentucky University (WKU)?

The student-faculty ratio at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is 18:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Western Kentucky University (WKU)?

Western Kentucky University (WKU) typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 420-530 (Reading) and 420-520 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 16-21. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is Western Kentucky University (WKU) a public or private university?

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a public institution.

When is the application deadline for Western Kentucky University (WKU)?

Application deadlines at Western Kentucky University (WKU) vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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Western Kentucky University (WKU) — 2026 Profile - Bowling Green, Kentucky

★ Western Kentucky University (WKU) Report Card

★ Key Facts: Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Other Colleges In Kentucky

Education

Near By Colleges

Other Public Colleges

Student Reviews

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★ Western Kentucky University (WKU) Report Card

★ Key Facts: Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

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Western Kentucky University (WKU) — 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Kentucky University (WKU)

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Education

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